Wearing Lafayette148NY jacket with matching dress, Forever 21 knit scarf, Target tights and Kate Spade New York suede "Licorice" pump,
Celebrating One Year Blogaversary!!

My first year as a blogger reminds me of the game Beat the Clock.
As the name implies, you are always trying to beat time. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing because it forces you to utilize your time well, be organized, and be consistent with self-appointed weekly deadlines.

anyone remember the game show, Beat the Clock?
Does anyone remember the game show Beat the Clock?

When I embarked on this new journey one year ago, I boldly stepped into the rapidly changing world of social media primarily monopolized by millennials like my daughter, Channing.  I launched Age of Grace to reach women of a certain age, the many baby boomers such as myself looking to age gracefully.  I think it’s worth taking a step back to see what was accomplished in this first year.

What I learned:
1.  The best photos are taken one hour before sunset and on overcast days when you don’t have to complete with shadows of the sun.
2. Owning a tripod is a wonderful investment, especially when my husband is not available to take my photos.
3. To use a self-timer on my investment Canon Rebel camera, now to master using the video feature instead of relying on my smartphone or iPad.

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I aim to have this blog up and running by the end of January 2013.  I shared my 2012 vision board with you on “Don’t Drop the Ball.”  It’s part of the normal process to examine what’s working closely, so let’s take a look. It’s very encouraging to see my generation finding their voices through various blogs that reflect their passions.

  1. Fifty-three posts (consistent with my goal to publish one per week)
  2. Highlighted Health Alerts (Heart, Diabetes, Breast Cancer, and Prostate Cancer, to name just a few)
  3. Healthy Eating:  Kale and Water
  4. Exercise:  My half-marathon and Walking
  5. I featured Fashion/Style with Hats, Scarves, Peplums, Capes, and Tips from my daughter.
  6. Travel:  Paris and New York City
  7. Just in time for the holidays, I featured my first DIYs:  Christmas Ornament Topiary and Colonial Williamsburg Swag
  8. I connected with fellow 50+ blogger Jeannie of Gracefully50 and featured friend Lady Liz in my new series “Women of Grace,” or as I fondly refer to, “Gracie Women.”
  9. I managed to understand and utilize most other social networks such as Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, Polyvore.
  10.  Lucky Magazine badge for 100 votes

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I extend my sincerest thank you for staying with me on this journey as I continue to Beat the Clock in 2014. This year, I hope to hear from you with ideas and suggestions. I am looking to feature more “Women of Grace” who are spiritually mature, physically fit, and willing to share their stories about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In addition, I am looking to team up with sponsors to offer periodic giveaways.